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Topic: New forklift (Read 2088 times)

The museum purchased a 10,000 pound capacity forklift this week. The impetus for the forklift purchase was the bridge project but there are plenty of other things we could use a big forkift for around shop.

I guess we need to have a training class on this. Someone could get hurt doing the wrong thing or making the wrong move. We have a 20,000 pound at work that is a little newer. Of course, we have to go through forklift training, and I think I can convey the do's and don'ts to someone willing to learn.

Ask OSHA for training materials or even a class for forklift operations. Given that the lift will be used on soft/un-even ground extra caution is needed when moving items. Also, I would suggest building up the back support on the forks for material handling to keep it from falling backwards.

Rob

Edit: Also for safety have all the hoses gone over to make sure none are suspect for failure.

I second Roberts suggestion. The backer should be higher than normal anticipated load.It also makes a good place to secure slightly wobbly loads.

I've been OSHA trained for forklifts up to 15,000lbs since 1990 and have been through allot of training. I know any load that is lifted above your head is not fun, especially if it is heavy (pallet of tile/cement) or wide and heavy (bunk of pressure treated 2x6x16) and you have to move with it while lifted in the air. The most entertaining thing to do is fall through the floor of a truck trailer and end up on the trailer frame stuck. Been there done that.The biggest issue will be safety and training, and make sure the forklift is only operated by people trained/approved by the museum. Last thing you want is an accident caused by someone who though they knew how to drive the lift. Seen that before as well.

I hold a Class VII forklift license, and have been using one bigger than we have for the better part of 20 years. Have had to lift things so heavy that we would team lift it, usually with a large bucket loader. Like I said, I can show someone the right and wrong ways to do something.

After using the forklift Saturday, i have found all the little quirks it has. Being used to our big one at work, the hardest part for me was the distance to the lever I wanted. Instead of the tilt and boom up being next to each other, they are seperated by two more levers. Once I got used to the levers, I was all set. It needs a little TLC, like an oil change and light tinkering, but overall a very solid work horse. Pretty sure Brendan will find his stencil shortly and it will be tagged.